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Milwaukee French Immersion School

United States, Milwaukee

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The school at a glance
Instructs in French, English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 4 - 11 years
Pupil numbers 426
Type Co-educational
Opened 1985
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum
Taught languages French, English
Typical class size 20
Strengths Languages, Academic Enrichment, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary School, Elementary
Introduction

Milwaukee French Immersion School (MFIS) is a public elementary school within Milwaukee Public Schools serving students in K4 through fifth grade. The program uses French as the primary language of instruction, with English taught to achieve bilingual proficiency by the end of fifth grade. The American curriculum is delivered with technology integrated in every classroom, and students read, write, and speak in both languages. The school day runs from 9:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 2360 N. 52nd Street. MFIS emphasizes global citizenship and intercultural competence through its United Nations Schools of International Learning program for older students, and many graduates continue in middle and high school at Milwaukee School of Languages. Founded in 1978 and housed in its building since 2004, MFIS is recognized by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs with LabelFrancÉducation. The Milwaukee French Immersion Foundation supports language programs and community involvement, including Camp MFIS after school.

2360 N. 52nd Street, Milwaukee, WI 53210

The Essentials

Milwaukee French Immersion School has 426 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in French, English.

Location
2360 N. 52nd Street, Milwaukee, WI 53210. Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, MFIS is part of the Milwaukee Public Schools district. It serves K4–5th Grade.

Stages
K4–5th Grade

Type
Public elementary school in Milwaukee Public Schools; language immersion with French as the primary language of instruction.

Additional learning support
Special education services are provided by MPS with a team including special education teachers, a school social worker, a school psychologist, a school support teacher, and administration.

Country affiliation
United States

School day structure
School hours are 9:15 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Camp MFIS offers before-school care from 7:00 to 9:15 a.m. and after-school care from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
No boarding. Camp MFIS provides before- and after-school care: before-school hours 7:00–9:15 a.m. with breakfast; after-school hours 4:00–6:00 p.m. with a nutritious snack or light meal.

Food Options
Breakfast is provided before school; a nutritious snack or light meal is provided after school.

Governance and Ownership
Part of Milwaukee Public Schools.
Fees
Application fees

- There is no general application fee to enroll resident students in Milwaukee French Immersion School (K4–5).
- Nonresident students seeking permission to attend the district may be assessed an out-of-district tuition and must follow the district's nonresident enrollment procedures; tuition and related billing for nonresident students are handled by the district business office under Board policy.

Tuition fees (by year group and term)

- Resident students (K4 through 5th grade): No tuition is charged for attendance; K4–5 enrollment is handled through Milwaukee Public Schools enrollment procedures. There is no per-term or per-year tuition for resident students.
- Nonresident students (if approved for attendance): An out-of-district tuition is assessed at the Board-approved rate. The district sets the out-of-district tuition annually and bills accordingly; tuition for nonresident enrollments may be prorated if enrollment begins during the school year. Specific numeric tuition rates for out-of-district students are set by the Board and billed by the Business Office.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- For district-assessed charges (for example, out-of-district tuition), billing and payment terms are administered by the district Business Office and follow Board-established schedules; billing for nonresident arrangements is performed in advance of the school year by the Business Office. Tuition for mid-year starts is billed on a prorated basis.
- Before- and after-school program (Camp MFIS) registrations require submission of the printed registration and payment to the Camp Director or Site Coordinator; parents are responsible for maintaining current account balances for camp services. Payment options for the camp program include in-person payment by check or money order or online payment as described in the program registration materials.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable. Milwaukee French Immersion School is an elementary K4–5 neighborhood school operating standard daytime hours (no residential or boarding provision).

Other costs and typical additional fees

- Before- and after-school care (Camp MFIS): The program operates on school days with morning and afternoon sessions; the program charges rates for child-care services and accepts Wisconsin Shares authorizations where eligible (provider and location numbers are published for subsidy processing). Families may be charged for before/after care attendance.
- Occasional or program-specific charges: The school and its family/parent organizations may request nominal or event-specific payments for activities such as field trips, class activities, special in-school programs, PTA or foundation events, and voluntary fundraising drives. Payment requests and amounts for such items are communicated by the school or parent organizations at the time of the activity.
- Supplies, materials, and event fees: Families should expect typical elementary-school costs for items such as classroom supplies, field-trip admissions, after-school activity fees, yearbooks, or similar optional items when these are offered; payment methods vary by item and program.

Refund information

- Refunds and cancellations for before/after-school camp enrollment follow the program's registration and payment agreement terms; parents are required to review and sign the registration/payment agreement for the child-care camp which sets the payment and refund expectations. For district-assessed tuition (nonresident placements), tuition is billed according to district policy and prorating rules apply when placement begins mid-year.

Fee payment options

- Before/after-school camp payments: accepted methods include check or money order delivered to the Camp Director or Site Coordinator and online payment options available through the camp's registration portal; families with subsidy eligibility may use Wisconsin Shares for child-care payments.
- District billing (nonresident tuition and Board-assessed charges): these are managed through the district Business Office and standard district billing channels; families use the district's parent/account portals and Business Office instructions for payment. The school links to district parent portals for account and enrollment management.

If you need these items formatted for an external database entry, the above lists the school's fee categories and how charges are applied.
Academics

Milwaukee French Immersion School teaches American Curriculum for students aged 4 to 11.

Curriculum
Welcome to Milwaukee French Immersion School (MFIS), where students think, problem-solve, and prepare for their future in two languages, and proudly think of themselves as global citizens. The school day is conducted primarily in French. Faculty follow state academic standards while teaching math, literacy, social studies, and other subjects in French. Technology is integrated in every classroom, and students read, write, and speak English and French proficiently by the end of fifth grade. Older students develop critical thinking, research, and presentation skills through our United Nations Schools of International Learning program, and graduates find success in middle and high school programs such as Milwaukee School of Languages.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates continue in the district's International Baccalaureate and language programs in middle and high school, such as Milwaukee School of Languages, before pursuing college or career.

Gifted and Talented
Older students develop critical thinking, research, and presentation skills through the United Nations Schools of International Learning program.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) is used to promote positive student behavior with a three-tiered approach that includes universal, targeted, and intensive supports. The program aims to establish consistent expectations across classrooms to improve student outcomes. Danceworks Mad Hot Rhythm engages students in movement to boost self-confidence, creativity, and teamwork. The school partners with programs like Junior Achievement to develop leadership, financial literacy, and civic skills in an authentic, collaborative context. A culture of global awareness and collaboration is reinforced through arts, international programs, and cross-cultural learning experiences.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
MPS serves all children with disabilities, including cognitive, emotional, hearing, learning, physical, speech, and vision disabilities. The school's special education teachers, regular education teachers, school social worker, school psychologist, school support teacher, and administration work together to meet students' needs. If you think your child has special education needs, ask your child's teacher or principal for an evaluation, or call the district for general questions about special education.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Reading and language development are a school-wide focus in both English and French. Teachers, parents, and volunteers share a school-wide commitment to helping students achieve reading proficiency in English and French. Formal English literacy instruction begins in second grade. English literacy is taught within the 90:10 dual-language immersion model, with French taught as the primary language of instruction. Students have access to bilingual resources and English literacy instruction alongside French literacy throughout K4–5.

Mental Wellbeing
PBIS promotes positive behavior through a three-tier framework intended to improve school climate and student well-being. The school also has a school social worker and a school psychologist who collaborate with teachers and families to support students' well-being. PBIS data-driven interventions help tailor supports for students needing more help, contributing to a safer and more supportive learning environment. Arts, cultural programs, and partnerships further reinforce social-emotional development and connectedness.
Parent Experience

History
Program began in 1978 in response to desegregation efforts in Milwaukee. Anthony Gradisnik researched and developed the immersion-school concept as an alternative to forced busing, inspired by Canadian immersion programs. In 1980 the French and German immersion programs shared space at 68th Street School and soon moved to 82nd Street, becoming the 82nd Street Multi-Language School. In 1985 MFIS was established and relocated to South 88th Street, with seating expanded for K4–K5 and first grade; the program grew from there. In 2004 MFIS moved to its current building at 2360 N. 52nd Street, and in 2012 the Milwaukee French Immersion Foundation was created to enrich opportunities; today MFIS continues its commitment to immersion education.

Community
MFIS, along with its faculty, students, and families, has earned local and international recognition for academic achievement, teaching excellence, and a school climate of diversity, respect, and positivity. The school is recognized as a LabelFrancÉducation school for promoting outstanding education in French among students and parents. Art and music are taught in French, and older students develop critical thinking, research, and presentation skills through projects such as the United Nations Schools of International Learning program. Traditions include a fifth-grade completion ceremony, French camp, and an annual Mardi Gras celebration. Milwaukee Recreation hosts Camp MFIS on-site, providing supervised before- and after-school programming for K4–5.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
MFIS PTA is a nonprofit volunteer organization that supports all students at Milwaukee French Immersion School. It advocates for students' best interests, strengthens communication between families and the school, and supplements opportunities for student success. The PTA runs events and programs that engage the MFIS community, including a Fun Run, African American Authors Read In, Mardi Gras, Spring Book Fair, Tile Work Presentation, Staff Appreciation Week, Spring Concert, and Fete du Cerveau – BrainFest with community partners. It supports volunteer opportunities and partnerships through groups such as Advocacy, Volunteer, and Business Partners. Join the MFIS PTA to participate, donate, and stay connected.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Milwaukee French Immersion School serves K4–5th Grade and is located at 2360 N. 52nd Street, Milwaukee, WI 53210. The school day runs from 9:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The program conducts instruction primarily in French to develop bilingual students and a globally minded community. A redeveloped schoolyard is planned for 2026. The program is recognized by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs (LabelFrancÉducation) for the quality of its language program.

Extra Curricular Facilities
MFIS provides after-school opportunities alongside its academic program. Students explore the diverse cultures of the Francophone world through these opportunities, deepening their connection to French as a second language. The programs foster bilingual proficiency and cultural awareness, helping shape students' identities as global citizens. Family involvement is a valued part of the MFIS community.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school day is conducted primarily in French, with French as the primary language for teaching, learning, and supporting the community. MFIS emphasizes bilingual education and global citizenship. The Milwaukee French Immersion Foundation brings teaching talent, language programs, and advanced learning opportunities to students from K4 to twelfth grade, including Amity Teaching interns since 2012. Alumni continue their French-language studies in middle- and high-school programs at Milwaukee School of Languages, with some students learning a third language before high school.

Arts & Creative
Camp MFIS provides a wide range of activities that support students' academic enrichment, cultural, and social development, emphasizing affordability, quality, and safety. Activities include arts and crafts and cultural activities, along with field trips. After-school programming includes a nutritious snack or light meal. Milwaukee Recreation child care camps offer additional creative opportunities and a safe, engaging environment.

Cultural & Language
Every MFIS student explores the diverse cultures of the Francophone world through academic and after-school opportunities that foster a deeper connection to their second language and shape their identity as a global citizen. Language programs are supported by the MFIS Foundation, which enhances education by bringing French-speaking interns to MFIS and MSL. The Foundation reinforces community and bridges gaps between MFIS and MSL and collaborates with Alliance Française and other groups.

Social & Hobbies
Camp MFIS provides social development activities and opportunities to engage with peers. The Parent-Teacher Association hosts family events such as film screenings and roller-skating parties and runs fundraisers and school-wide programs like open house, Mardi Gras, and Marathon de Danse. PTA meetings occur monthly and involve families in planning and leadership roles.

Community & Service
Camp MFIS and Milwaukee Recreation offer community service opportunities as part of after-school programming. The after-school program emphasizes community engagement through activities and field trips, reinforcing a sense of service and civic participation.

Leadership & Professional
The Parent-Teacher Association is a volunteer organization that leads planning and implementation of classroom grants, family events, fundraisers, and school-wide programs. PTA meetings provide leadership opportunities for families and community involvement. The Milwaukee French Immersion Foundation provides professional development and cultural exchange opportunities by bringing 100+ Amity interns to MFIS and MSL since 2012 and collaborating with other organizations.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Camp MFIS provides breakfast before school and a nutritious snack or light meal after school. The program emphasizes safety and well-being, with mindfulness and physical activities included as part of daily programming.
Languages

Language Provision
French is the focus of instruction. The school emphasizes bilingual education in two languages and equips students to continue their language learning beyond MFIS.

Bilingual Teaching
The school uses two languages in instruction. French is the primary language for teaching, learning, and supporting the community.

Immersion Programs
The school offers a French immersion program for students in K4 through 5th grade.
Reputation

Awards
The school has received recognition as a School of Distinction by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and Wisconsin RtI Center; it meets DPI expectations on the School Report Card.

Accreditations
The school is recognized by LabelFrancÉducation, signaling endorsement by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its French-language program.
Admissions

Admissions
1. MFIS serves K4–5th Grade. For the 2026–27 school year, kindergarten enrollment is open. If a child is turning three, four, or five by September 1, 2026, apply by March 2, 2026 for the best chance of being enrolled in your first-choice school. Enrollment is processed through the Enroll Now link to the Infinite Campus enrollment system. 2. Start the immersion journey at MFIS. The school day runs from 9:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The school day is conducted primarily in French, with French as the primary language for teaching, learning, and supporting the school's connected, globally minded community. MFIS prepares students for a bilingual future in two languages. 3. MFIS has LabelFranrancÉducation Status. The school has been recognized by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attesting to the high quality of its language program. This recognition reflects MFIS's ongoing commitment to high-quality language instruction. The program aims to prepare students to engage with Francophone cultures and to be part of a bilingual, globally minded community.
School Events
The school has not added events
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